Dominique Gagnon – Physiotherapist | Trois-Rivières, QC

Dominique Gagnon is a dedicated Physiothérapeute practicing at Physio Des Chenaux in Trois-Rivières, QC. With a patient-centered approach, Dominique is committed to providing high-quality physiotherapy care that aligns with the standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ). Her practice focuses on addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, including acute injuries such as sprains and strains, chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Dominique also offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues, aiming to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and lower fall risk. She serves patients of all ages, including older children (5+), adolescents, adults, and seniors, ensuring personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs.

Education and experience are at the core of Dominique's practice. She completed her degree in Physiotherapy with a focus on evidence-based practices and continuous professional development. Over the years, Dominique has developed particular expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation. Her clinical experience and ongoing learning allow her to stay current with the latest treatment techniques, ensuring her patients receive the most effective and up-to-date care possible.

Dominique's practice philosophy emphasizes a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and empowering her patients through clear education about their conditions. She believes in fostering a collaborative environment where patients feel supported and informed, enabling them to actively participate in their recovery and self-management. Dominique is fluent in French and English, ensuring effective communication with a diverse community of patients and their families.

Dominique Gagnon provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.

Common Msk

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dominique can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Targeted exercises and strategies designed by your Physiotherapist to improve your stability, coordination, lower limb strength, and body awareness (proprioception), thereby reducing your risk of falls, particularly beneficial for older adults or individuals with balance impairments.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Specialized assessment and treatment techniques, such as canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - BPPV), to address symptoms of dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensations), and imbalance caused by inner ear or central vestibular system dysfunction.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dominique. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with standards set by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

At Physio Des Chenaux, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dominique frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The path to recovery from loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury and achieving improved circulation and tissue healing for being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house often starts with expert guidance. Dominique, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• If pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard is preventing you from fully enjoying actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back, Dominique offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• At Dominique's physiotherapy practice, individuals with recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement are guided towards a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as managing the physical demands of your job without constant pain.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Dominique, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Dominique practices at 'Physio Des Chenaux', situated in the vibrant Downtown Trois-Rivières neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near the Port of Trois-Rivières, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. The facility is well-equipped and designed to provide a welcoming environment for all patients. Easily reachable via the Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR), the clinic is just a short transit ride from various parts of the city. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiothérapeute will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

Is there parking available at or near Physio Des Chenaux?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiothérapeute in QC?

In Quebec, patients can typically see a Physiothérapeute directly without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiothérapeute uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, manual therapy, and education to assess, diagnose, and treat injuries or physical impairments affecting muscles, joints, nerves, and more. It can help reduce pain, increase mobility, recover from surgeries, prevent injuries, and improve quality of life.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Most outpatient physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered by RAMQ in Quebec. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Coverage may be available through certain public programs in hospitals or CLSCs, but eligibility varies. Always verify your coverage with RAMQ and your insurance provider.

What is the difference between a Physiothérapeute and a Technologue en physiothérapie in Quebec?

In Quebec, a Physiothérapeute holds a university master's degree and is authorized to perform assessments, establish diagnoses, create treatment plans, and perform certain restricted activities. A Technologue en physiothérapie holds a college diploma and works under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physician, applying prescribed treatments and guiding exercises but does not diagnose or independently plan treatments. Both are regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Physio Des Chenaux
1220, Rue Jean-Nicolet, # 103
Trois-Rivières, QC G9A 1B2

Phone: (819) 841-5150 | Website: www.physiochenaux.ca

Dominique Gagnon is regulated by the Code des professions and Professional Integration Arrangement for physiotherapists in QC and is a member of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Registration can be verified with the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ).

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.